Your blood contains a variety of proteins that perform important metabolic functions. Blood proteins transport other molecules, promote blood clotting and help your immune system. Having a high blood protein count could be the sign of a serious medical problem. Consult your doctor for further testing if you have high blood protein levels.
Testing
Physicians use a routine blood test to assess protein levels. You may receive this blood test as a part of a regular medical check-up. Doctors use this information to determine whether you are healthy and to assess your kidney and liver functioning. Because high blood protein levels are a symptoms of several diseases, a blood protein test cannot be used to diagnose a specific illness.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of high blood protein levels include chronic fatigue, fever, nausea and poor appetite. Many people with high blood protein counts experience unexplained weight loss. These symptoms are not unique to high blood protein and may be mistaken for the flu or another illness. Discuss your symptoms with a doctor to determine whether they warrant a blood protein test.
Causes
A high blood protein count is a symptom of several diseases. If your immune system functioning is compromised and you have a chronic inflammation or infection, you may have high blood protein levels. People with HIV/AIDS or hepatitis often have high blood protein counts. Other medical conditions that affect protein levels include amyloidosis, multiple myeloma and Waldenstroem's disease.
Misconceptions
Some people believe that following a high-protein diet or taking protein supplements may increase your blood protein levels. Under normal circumstances, your kidneys and liver tightly regulate your blood protein levels. Changes in your diet do not affect the levels of protein in your blood.
